Introduction to the Hotcake Eating Contest
Professional competitive eaters will be scarfing down Norms hotcakes for a $10,000 purse this weekend in Ontario
Norms second annual Hotcake Eating Competition will take place at its restaurant outside of Ontario Mills at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
The contest is being put on with Major League Eating, which did the highly publicized Nathan’s Famous hot dog-eating contest at Coney Island on Fourth of July, won by champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut.
Major League Eating holds about 70 events a year. This event is the only one in Southern Callifornia on its calendar.
Preparations for the Event
“I’ll be cooking hotcakes for three hours straight to get ready for that,” said David Cox, the Bellflower-based chain’s corporate executive chef and vice president of food & beverage.
He expects about a dozen pros to compete.
“I think we’re trying to pull in somebody from the general public,” he said in a phone interview. “Of course they’ll have to sign like triple waivers.”
The winner will get $5,000, followed by $2,500 for second place, $1,250 for third, $750 for fourth and $500 for fifth.
The winner of last year’s inaugural competition in Las Vegas was Patrick Bertoletti, who also won Nathan’s 2024 competition. He consumed 46 hotcakes in 10 minutes.
Contestants ate 425 hotcakes total.
“We actually got compliments from them that it was the best-tasting food they’d ever eaten in competition and that the hotcakes were still warm when they ate them,” Cox said.
Competition Details
Cox is planning for this year’s competitors to eat upwards of 50 each, served in plates of three. At the end of the competition, judges will count the plates.
“The first time we did it, we were rookies,” he said. “We put syrup and butter out there. They didn’t want any of that syrup and butter. They just pound down the hotcakes. They all bring copious amounts of water. Some of them drink warm water to help get the hotcakes down.”
Public Participation and Viewing
The public can watch the competition, which will take place in the parking lot outside of the restaurant. It is at 4551 Mills Circle, near Fourth Street. The first 50 guests will receive a voucher to eat for free for up to $20 off their purchase, according to representatives.
The event precedes National Hotcake Day on Sept. 26. On that day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., loyalty members can get a short stack of hotcakes for free and others can get a short stack for 99 cents.
Information: norms.com
Conclusion
The Norms Hotcake Eating Competition promises to be an exciting event, with professional eaters competing for a significant purse. The event is open to the public, and spectators can enjoy the competition while also taking advantage of special offers from Norms.
FAQs
Q: When and where is the Norms Hotcake Eating Competition?
A: The competition will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Norms restaurant outside of Ontario Mills.
Q: How much is the purse for the competition?
A: The total purse is $10,000, with the winner receiving $5,000.
Q: Can the public participate in the competition?
A: While the competition is primarily for professional eaters, Norms may allow a member of the general public to participate, subject to certain conditions.
Q: What special offers are available to the public during the event?
A: The first 50 guests will receive a voucher to eat for free for up to $20 off their purchase.
Q: Is there a special promotion related to the event?
A: Yes, on National Hotcake Day (Sept. 26), loyalty members can get a short stack of hotcakes for free, and others can get a short stack for 99 cents.
